According to Gisborne District Councillor Larry Foster, the Gisborne District welcomes any new business into its CBD as empty shops are undesirable.

He points out that the retail environment in Gisborne’s CBD is changing, necessitating that all the indicators be used to plan its future.

“What is the CBD going to look like in 10 years? This is a question every provincial town and city is asking and grappling with,” he says.

“Online shopping has totally changed shopping habits, and is the major contributor to CBD retail decline.

“Online shopping is also here to stay and most successful businesses have an online presence. Unfortunately New Zealand retailers and wholesalers don’t have a level playing field from which to do business. When dealing online offshore with items costing $400 or less, there is no GST or duty requirements.

“The government is losing out on an estimated $400 million in GST and duty annually, while local businesses are dropping like flies.”

Foster points out that now that the NZ dollar has tumbled, online bargains are not as enticing. Despite this, he stresses that government still needs to address this major injustice it is imposing on the wholesale and retail sector.

“When you consider all that money is leaving local communities and not rotating at all, it is no wonder we find ourselves in this predicament,” he says.

“So what’s the cure? The government needs to give all NZ businesses an equal opportunity so they can generate growth and employment.

“Councils right throughout NZ are trying to find solutions and are encouraging CBD revitalisation plans.

“The corporate world, pop-up shops and temporary retail are all being promoted; anything to create people hubs.

“The hospitality industry in NZ had strong growth last year, which gives confidence that one sector of the CBD environment is performing.

“With collaboration from the council, Heart of Gisborne, Activate Tairawhiti, Tourism Eastland, the Chamber of Commerce and the Gizzy community, must focus on supporting a thriving CBD to really showcase a thriving local economy.”